Processor wiring question
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,678
Likes: 2
From: Rapid City SD
Processor wiring question
My processor, an Appleseed variant, quit heating yesterday while running distilation. I heard the heating element working for a few minutes before I left, but when I returned a few hours later, the reactor temp had only reached 60 degrees.
If a put a jumper over the thermostat, and the heating element still doesn't work, the thermostat would be eliminate as the problem right? The next step after work is to check voltage. If I read voltage between the red and black wires going into the heating element, that would probably mean the element died on me? If there is no voltage, then what should I get of the red and black wires coming off the breaker? Maybe the breaker tripped, although I cycled it a few times. The 115 voltage off the other breaker is still good running the pumps.
If a put a jumper over the thermostat, and the heating element still doesn't work, the thermostat would be eliminate as the problem right? The next step after work is to check voltage. If I read voltage between the red and black wires going into the heating element, that would probably mean the element died on me? If there is no voltage, then what should I get of the red and black wires coming off the breaker? Maybe the breaker tripped, although I cycled it a few times. The 115 voltage off the other breaker is still good running the pumps.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 26,337
Likes: 12
From: Paradise Found!
My processor, an Appleseed variant, quit heating yesterday while running distilation. I heard the heating element working for a few minutes before I left, but when I returned a few hours later, the reactor temp had only reached 60 degrees.
If a put a jumper over the thermostat, and the heating element still doesn't work, the thermostat would be eliminate as the problem right? The next step after work is to check voltage. If I read voltage between the red and black wires going into the heating element, that would probably mean the element died on me? If there is no voltage, then what should I get of the red and black wires coming off the breaker? Maybe the breaker tripped, although I cycled it a few times. The 115 voltage off the other breaker is still good running the pumps.
If a put a jumper over the thermostat, and the heating element still doesn't work, the thermostat would be eliminate as the problem right? The next step after work is to check voltage. If I read voltage between the red and black wires going into the heating element, that would probably mean the element died on me? If there is no voltage, then what should I get of the red and black wires coming off the breaker? Maybe the breaker tripped, although I cycled it a few times. The 115 voltage off the other breaker is still good running the pumps.
If you have 240 volts at the heating element then the element is bad.
One problem with using a submerged heating element for distillation is you can get a "bubble" of Methanol vapor surrounding the element, This will allow the element to reach a temp that will MELT the casing of the element and cause a "burn through" that will destroy it. This is why I use an external heat source. Just to much chance of a fire..........
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,678
Likes: 2
From: Rapid City SD
One problem with using a submerged heating element for distillation is you can get a "bubble" of Methanol vapor surrounding the element, This will allow the element to reach a temp that will MELT the casing of the element and cause a "burn through" that will destroy it. This is why I use an external heat source. Just to much chance of a fire..........
New User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
If element was burnt or not it will still show voltage to it. Shut off breaker and use a continuity check across the element leads. This will tell you for sure if element has been burned through. I have a digital meter with a beeping continuity setting, so if in this case if heard a beep across the element leeds i would know there was a complete path for electricity through the element, if not then its fried. If you do not have a meter with that function then next test would be a ohm reading, but you would need to know the aprox resistance through a heating element. Another way is to hook a powered light in series with the element circuit...if light comes on element is fine.
New User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Hey Fabman!!
Hey Fabman...did you ever see my note i left on your back door? I ventured out one say determined to hunt ya down and found out you settled in a new place. Was Last year around beginning of summer sometime, don't recall exact date now. Anyway I flew right past the No Trespassing signs thinking if you were home the least ya would do is open fire letting me that was the case hehehe. Looked like you hadn't been there that long yet, sorry i missed you. BTW looks like a fine place there Mike
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 26,337
Likes: 12
From: Paradise Found!
If element was burnt or not it will still show voltage to it. Shut off breaker and use a continuity check across the element leads. This will tell you for sure if element has been burned through. I have a digital meter with a beeping continuity setting, so if in this case if heard a beep across the element leeds i would know there was a complete path for electricity through the element, if not then its fried. If you do not have a meter with that function then next test would be a ohm reading, but you would need to know the aprox resistance through a heating element. Another way is to hook a powered light in series with the element circuit...if light comes on element is fine.
If you are going to use a light in series it has to be rated at 240 volts.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 26,337
Likes: 12
From: Paradise Found!
Hey Fabman...did you ever see my note i left on your back door? I ventured out one say determined to hunt ya down and found out you settled in a new place. Was Last year around beginning of summer sometime, don't recall exact date now. Anyway I flew right past the No Trespassing signs thinking if you were home the least ya would do is open fire letting me that was the case hehehe. Looked like you hadn't been there that long yet, sorry i missed you. BTW looks like a fine place there Mike
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
New User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
If you are going to use a light in series it has to be rated at 240 volts.[/quote]
Don did not your original still use a water heater element rated originally for 220 and ran it off 110? if not i must have misunderstood you there.
I have burned out several elements for my veggie oil heating tank as i run 4 elements in that bad boy for 15 minute recovery times. I have used the continuity check method on them and then when i go get a new element will take the old one with me and they check it with a home made 110 volt light cord with one wire lead broken to the light with battery charger type clamps on the leads for checking elements and other electrical items. Seemed to work great....sometimes you can't see if the element is bad by visual inspection. I buy all my elements at the local appliance and electric store here.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 26,337
Likes: 12
From: Paradise Found!
I don't think the bio would hurt the element. Most problems seem to occur when people try and recover the Methanol using a submerged element.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 26,337
Likes: 12
From: Paradise Found!
Won't do you any good...........The pics are of my old setup. I use a completely different system now.